'Transformation' of Paramus Police Department is made official

Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera, left, swears in Kenneth Ehrenberg as the new Paramus Police Chief on June 25. Ehrenburg is joined by his daughter Alexandra and son Kenny to the right.

The June 25 Paramus Mayor and Council meeting marked a major step in the "transformation" of the borough police department, with Chief of Police Kenneth Ehrenberg officially sworn in, six new supervisors promoted and four new officers hired.

Ehrenberg, who was officially appointed to his new position on June 11, is a lifelong Paramus resident and a 26-year member of the force. He is also the captain of Paramus Fire Department 4, and holds a law degree from Seton Hall.

Prior to the swearing-in, Mayor Richard LaBarbiera praised the work Ehrenberg has done in the borough as a police officer, including his leadership as deputy chief and acting chief prior to his official appointment as head of the Paramus Police Department.

"We welcome him to be chief of what I believe is the finest police department not just in the county, but the state of New Jersey," LaBarbiera said. "I know he thanks us, but the truth of the matter is the Borough of Paramus is most appreciative that you're on watch and leading such a fine group."

Ehrenberg thanked his family for their support, which he credited for helping him rise to the task of leading the force, and said that he looked forward to leading the department.

"As I begin this new chapter as police chief, I look forward to the tasks and challenges ahead as we continue the transformation of this department into a proactive, financially efficient and cutting-edge leader in law enforcement in New Jersey today," Ehrenberg said. "I promise I won't let you down and will work every day for the betterment of this community."

Ehrenberg's son Kenny was also honored at the meeting, receiving a certificate of commendation for his acceptance into the United States Air Force Academy, being one of 1,190 students accepted out of a group of more than 9,000 who applied. After his graduation ceremony at Paramus High School on June 26, Kenny headed straight to Colorado to begin basic training.

In addition to the commendation, Kenny was honored with a Blue Star Banner that will be hung inside the front of Borough Hall with those of other Paramus residents serving in the military, according to LaBarbiera.

Additional promotions and hires

A total of six detectives were promoted to supervisory positions, with Detective Lt. Robert Olive, Detective Sgt. Richard Menhinick, Detective Sgt. Robert Vonschalscha, Detective Sgt. Frank Scott, Detective Sgt. John Toohey and Detective Sgt. John Devine officially sworn in by LaBarbiera.

The council also approved the hiring of Officers Joshua Capizzi, Anthony Mordaga, Michael Mullay and Jon Umanzor, the final four candidates from the department's hiring process. Each officer was sworn in by LaBarbiera at the meeting, and will earn an annual salary of $39,891.

All four candidates have previous experience in law enforcement, according to Ehrenberg. Mullay is a member of the Paramus Volunteer Fire Department and has been an officer of the Ridgefield Park Police Department for six years. Capizzi is a member of the Paramus Volunteer Fire Department and has served as a NJ Transit officer for two years. Mordaga has been an investigator for the Bergen County Sheriff's Department for two years and Umanzor served with the Montvale Police Department for two years.

All four officers are Paramus residents, according to LaBarbiera.

While the council had initially planned on hiring three new officers, the number was bumped up to four to help mitigate a string of recent retirements that had reduced the department's manpower to 73 sworn officers before the new hires. The need for officers was stated by Councilwoman Maria Elena Bellinger, who serves as police commissioner. She noted that the department answered 4,892 calls for service, made 65 criminal arrests, issued 791 motor vehicle summonses and handled 7,383 911 calls in May alone.

"All the work we are doing with promotions and hiring within our police department is greatly needed," Bellinger said. "We are happy to have them all on board to serve this great community."